All the critical factors for success from weaning to service were discussed at an Oxford Training club meeting on AI for outdoor producers. These units all shared similar systems in the same region with the same genetics.
But there seemed to be a lot of differences between units when it comes to the post weaning period.
Different
feeding methods included providing 6kg per day to dry sows from wean to first
day of service and providing 3kg after weaning, building up by 0.5kg per day to
first day of service.
There were
also differences in the way boar contact was managed for example:
- No boar
contact until day of service
- Continuous
fence line boar contact
- Some
fence line contact depending on the paddocks used
For more
advice on boar contact management download the BPEX factsheet on Detection
Mating Area (DMA) by clicking here.
It is
important for all units to provide time for AI and all those in this group
focused resources very well to achieve this. The use of records throughout the
weaning to service period is essential as a problem solving mechanism, as it is
often found where perceived problems were different to real problems. And
producers should also give thought to practical aspects such as service tent
design and layout – to help with handling and keeping sows calm and make the
process more efficient on service day.